A heartbreaking incident unfolded at Newfield High School earlier this week when 17-year-old Robert Bush, a talented football player hailing from Selden, Long Island, collapsed during conditioning drills. The young athlete is currently fighting for his life on a ventilator, as his family shares the devastating news.
According to reports, Bush had been on the field for a mere four minutes before he suddenly bent over and lost consciousness due to a “cardiac event” on Monday at around 5 p.m. Despite the prompt actions of his coaches, who administered CPR and utilized a defibrillator, as well as the swift response of emergency medical teams who rushed him to Stony Brook University Hospital, Bush endured a prolonged period without blood or oxygen reaching his brain, lasting at least 45 minutes.
Tragically, his family confirmed that there is no longer any brain function, and he remains reliant on life support. They are now facing the heartbreaking reality of “dealing with the end.” While the exact cause of Bush’s collapse remains uncertain, his family suspects a potential hereditary condition involving the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle walls.
Despite his challenging circumstances, Bush’s family expressed that he had not exhibited any prior signs of a heart condition. They revealed that he had joined the football team with the goal of improving his overall health and fitness. Though he may not have possessed innate athletic prowess, he had made significant progress in his journey to play varsity football, embodying the spirit of determination reminiscent of the iconic film character Rudy.
The Bush family has a remarkable story, as Robert and Patricia, his parents, adopted him as a baby and welcomed him into their large, loving family. Over the years, they had fostered over 300 children and raised a total of 10 siblings, ranging in age from 16 to 56 years old, according to his brother.
Sadly, Patricia Bush passed away from cancer in 2017, while Robert’s father battles severe medical issues, leaving the family to navigate life’s challenges on their own. Chris Bush, another brother, played a significant role in Robert’s upbringing and introduced him to the sport of football. Reflecting on Robert’s dedication and motivation, Chris highlighted his relentless pursuit of improvement despite not being physically imposing.
Meanwhile, Steve Bush, Robert’s older brother, mourns the potential future his sibling may never experience. Steve shared that Robert had aspirations of marriage and starting a family, mirroring the desires of his older siblings. Considering the tremendous strides he had made over the past two years, it is a heartbreaking reality for the family.
In the face of this tragedy, the community has rallied around the Bush family, offering support and solidarity during this difficult time. As they navigate the unknown and await any developments, the strength and resilience displayed by Robert Bush and his loved ones serve as a poignant reminder of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
